Explore inventions, engineering, computing and the tools people build to solve problems. Choose an article below; its reading controls let you move between the available levels.
John Draper was a man who loved computers. He knew how to use phones in new ways. He even made a toy whistle work with a phone. He helped make early computer programs. He was a very smart builder. Do you like to…
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJohn Taylor started a news paper. It is called The Guardian. He lived in a place called Manchester. He worked with cotton to make money. This helped him start his work. He was a very busy man. Do you like to read news?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJohn Fairfax made newspapers. He worked with books and print. He moved to a far land. He helped many big groups. His name is still known today. Do you like to read news?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleMany planes fly here. It is a big airport. It is in New York. People fly to many far places. It helps us travel the world. Do you like to fly on planes?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJohn Harrison made clocks. He built clocks that worked on ships. These clocks helped sailors find their way. This kept people safe at sea. He was a very smart man. Do you like clocks?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJohn Loud made a new pen. It had a tiny ball. This ball helped it write on leather. He lived a long time ago. Do you use a pen to write?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA man named John wanted to fly. He built machines with wings. They looked like big birds. He used them to glide in the air. This helped us learn to fly. Can you imagine flying like a bird?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJohn McCarthy loved math. He helped make smart machines. He found ways for computers to think. This helps us today. He was a very smart man. Do you like computers?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA man named Johnny helped many bands. He helped boys sing and dance. He was very famous in Japan. People found out he was not kind to the boys. He did bad things to them. This is a sad story. Do you know any singers?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJohn made boats for under the sea. These boats can go deep. They use gas on top of the water. They use power to go under. This helps ships stay safe. Do you like the sea?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJohn Pilger was a writer. He told true stories. He made many films. These films helped people. He wanted to show the truth. Do you like stories?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJohn Smeaton was a great builder. He made strong bridges. He built a tall lighthouse in the sea. His work helps us travel safely. He was very smart. Do you like to build things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJohn Pemberton made a new drink. It is called Coca-Cola. He was a man who worked with medicine. He wanted to help people feel better. He made a very famous drink. Do you like soda?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJohn Thompson was an army leader. He made a new kind of tool. It was a fast gun. This tool helped many people. He worked very hard for his job. Do you like to learn about tools?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJohn made a new machine. It was a first computer. It helped people do math fast. This helps us use tools today. We can learn a lot from him. Do you like computers?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJohn Walter made a paper for news. He started a paper called The Times. It is still around today. This helps us read the news. He lived a long time ago. Do you like to read news?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJohn was a smart man. He helped make computer art. He made tools to print pictures. These tools help us see things on paper. He loved to invent new things. Do you like to invent things too?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJohn made things from iron. He made big tools. He made a machine to help steam engines work. He even helped build a bridge made of iron. His work helped many people. Do you like things made of iron?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleTwo groups can work as one. They join to do a big job. They share the work and the money. They also share the risks. This helps them do more. Do you like working with friends?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJony Ive is a maker. He makes things look good. He helped design the iPhone and the iPad. These things help us every day. He also works on new things now. Do you like to make things too?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJoseph built big pipes for London. These pipes hide under the ground. They carry waste away from the city. This helped keep people healthy. He was a very hard worker. Do you like to build things?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJosephine was a smart woman. She made a machine for dishes. It used hot water to clean. This helped people save time. It also kept plates safe. Do you like clean dishes?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJoseph made a special machine. It helped make pretty cloth. The machine used cards with holes. This made patterns in the silk. It helped people work fast. It was a great idea! Do you like patterns?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA man named Joseph made news. He made a big paper. It was very cheap to buy. This helped many people read it. He worked hard every day. Do you like to read news?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJost Bürgi made amazing clocks. His clocks were very good. They helped people look at stars. He also worked with math. He was a great maker. His tools helped us learn. Do you like clocks?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA long time ago, people made a new book. It shared news about science and history. It was the first book like this in Europe. This book helps us learn. It is still around today. Do you like to read news?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA journalist finds news. They look for facts. They use words or pictures. They tell us what is happening. This helps us know the world. Do you like to learn news?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJoy Reid tells news stories. She talks on a TV show. She writes books too. Her work helps people learn. We can watch her on a screen. Do you like to watch the news?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJ. Paul Getty was a rich man. He found oil in the ground. This helped him make much money. He liked to buy old art. He gave his art to a museum. You can see it there today. Do you like art?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThis is how pictures work on computers. It makes files small. This helps us share photos fast. It is used every day. Do you like looking at photos?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleThis is a very big bank. It is in New York City. It helps many people with money. It is the largest bank in the USA. It has been around for a long time. Can you find a bank near you?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA man named Pres helped make computers. He worked on very big machines. These machines help us do work. He was a great builder. His work changed how we use tools. Do you like computers?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleJuan Trippe helped people fly. He started a big airline. He made planes better for everyone. Now many people fly in planes. It is a great way to see the world. Do you like to fly in planes?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA juicer makes juice. It gets juice from fruit. It squeezes the juice out. It leaves the bits behind. This makes a tasty drink for you. Do you like juice?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA long path moves water. It goes through a dry desert. It brings water to plants. It also helps big cities. This helps people grow food. It is very big. Do you like water?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA big wall holds back water. It is called the Kariba Dam. It sits on a large river. The dam makes power for homes. This helps many people. It is very big and tall. Have you seen a big dam?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleKarl was a man from Germany. He started a big food shop. We know it as Aldi. He worked hard to grow it. He was very rich. Do you like to shop at Aldi?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA man named Karl made a new tool. It had two wheels. He did not use pedals. He used his feet to move. This helped people travel. It was like an early bike. Do you like to ride bikes?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleKarl Rapp built engines. He made engines for planes. These engines helped planes fly. His work helped start a big car company. He also looked at the sun. Do you like planes?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleKate Adie tells news stories. She works for the BBC. She goes to many far places. She tells us what is happening. Her work helps us learn. Do you like news stories?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleKatharine Graham ran a big newspaper. It was called The Washington Post. She helped tell important news. This news helped the whole country. She was a very strong leader. Do you like to read the news?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleKatie Couric tells the news. She talks on TV. She talks to many people. She asks big questions. This helps us learn. Do you like to watch the news?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA big company makes many things. They make fast bikes. They also make big ships. They even make fast trains. These things help us move. Do you like fast cars?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA kayak is a small boat. You sit inside it. You use a long pole to move. It helps you go on the water. It is fun to ride. Would you like to try one?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA keel is the bottom of a ship. It helps the boat stay steady. It is the first part built. This part is very strong. It keeps the ship upright in the water. Do you like big boats?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleA man named Kenjiro built TVs. He lived in Japan. He made the first electronic TV. This helps us watch shows today. He was very smart. Do you like to watch TV?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleKen Thomson was a busy man. He owned many newspapers. He also loved beautiful art. He gave much art to a museum. This helps many people see it. Do you like to look at art?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the articleKen Thompson helps computers work. He made a system for them. This system is called Unix. It helps us use computers today. He is a great thinker. Do you like computers?
Early Reader · Change the reading level on the article